America’s Social Conscience

On the east coast, it’s pretty hot. Other parts of the country experience 90+ degrees routinely and nothing much happens. When New York or Philadelphia get to enjoy this type of weather, its time for reflection. What’s hot in the news?

Oh, there are stories about Syria, Afghanistan, and don’t forget Egypt. But the “hot” new story is that Elliot Spitzer is running for elected office again. Why would anyone who had resigned as Governor, then decide years after to run for a lesser position like New York City Comptroller?

This is a puzzling question since Spitzer is already wealthy and has been very successful in elected office. What does he have to prove?

It could be that Spitzer is angling for some future run for Senate or even Mayor of New York, and it is necessary to get elected again to put his scandal behind him. And what say ye, “scandal”?

As most TV pundits are quick to point out Elliot Spitzer resigned after it was disclosed in an FBI investigation that Spitzer (and his money) were partaking of a high class call girl service. Oh my!

The first hoot was how much money the FBI wasted on the investigation where Spitzer willingly parted with his money for a woman who willingly offered her services. The FBI agent in charge must now have a sought after resume.

The second hoot was the damage control Spitzer took. He resigned and apologized publicly to his wife and family. The hoot is not about the necessity of apologizing to his wife, but rather about the need to do it in public. The public part was simply the first step in running for public office again.

The third hoot was the string of TV shows that Spitzer was featured in. He became an instant pundit and show host. The viewing public, however, did not like his TV presence and after a while, Spitzer was off the air.

Now the fourth hoot is all the experts who are rendering opinions on whether Spitzer is fit to hold any job. You know he cheated on his wife, and prostitution is illegal, so he broke a law too.

Surprisingly, a lot of pundits are discounting the prostitution law breaking, in effect saying regulated prostitution is akin to marijuana use. With respect to his wife, these pundits wisely say that is between the two of them and the public has no say in it. I wonder what David Vitter would say on this subject?

The hot weather must be especially bad this year in Texas. The Texas legislature is back debating a bill to restrict a woman’s right and access to abortions. These pious lawmakers claim they are trying to make things safer for women. Who’s asking?

The only way I will know Texas (or any other State that tries to restrict abortion access) is serious about trying to help women is when the bill contains rules that make Viagra (and its cousins) available one hour, once a week in one city, and only when the purchasers presents an official photo ID.